Wrist Injury
Okay
I have to admit im no beginner to wrist injuries.
I broke my wrist a few years ago in five places while playing basketball. Ever since then I have been having major difficulties with not only my wrist but ligament problems with my thumb. I am also a Physiotherapist Assistant and see alot of wrist injuries so i hope this may help.
The previous posts seem pretty accurate.
The best thing you can do is ICE. Heat is usually only used for muscle tightness ICE is the best medicine.
The most common injuries to the wrist are something called a Colles Fracture and A fracture of a tiny bone called the scaphoid bone. Most wrist fractures are caused by falling on an outstretched hand ( tons of snowboard injuries )
I would definitely seek medical attention if
- you have had a previous break
-you have pain medially on your wrist
-if you have a decreased range of motion of your thumb or index finger
- if there is any type of deformity
- or if pain persists more than three days
One thing you can do to test for pain is
Make a fist and while doing so put your wrist into flexion, extension and ulnar and radial deviation. ( to the sides )
See below picture
If there is a huge decrease in pain or if you experience tightness in your thumb it can not only indicate a fracture but also ligament damage.
If you have pain after three days i would strongly recommend that you go get xrays at your doctors. Your body is always your best indicator that something is wrong.
If you dont decide to go to your doctor STRETCHING and light exercise to STRENGTHEN are essential. ( when you have an injury to your wrist your ligaments in your wrist and thumb can shorten causing a decrease in motion ). AND OF COURSE REST IS A GOOD IDEA!!!!! ( although i know how hard it is for you guys to take a day or two off weightlifting sometimes
)
Hope all is well.
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